giraffe

Where does the word "giraffe" come from? It comes from Arabic zarāfa, passing through Italian and French before entering English (c. 1600s).

Giraffe’s story begins in Arabic: zarāfa meant “giraffe.” Possibly from an East African source, describing the tall animal. By c. 1400s, the word had taken hold in Italian as giraffa. Entered Europe alongside giraffes gifted to Italian courts. From there it passed into French as girafe by c. 1500s. Spelling shifted slightly as it passed through French. It reached English by c. 1600s as giraffe. Replaced the earlier English word "camelopard". Today, giraffe means a tall African mammal with a very long neck and spotted coat.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval zarāfa "giraffe", possibly from an East African source, describing the tall animal.
2. Stage 2 · Italian · c. 1400s giraffa "giraffe", entered Europe alongside giraffes gifted to Italian courts.
3. Stage 3 · French · c. 1500s girafe "giraffe", spelling shifted slightly as it passed through French.
4. Stage 4 · English · c. 1600s giraffe "the giraffe", replaced the earlier English word "camelopard".